Pyoderma (Bacterial Skin Infections) in Dogs

Published on
Last updated on
5 min read

Key takeaways


Pyoderma in dogs is a bacterial skin infection commonly caused by Staphylococcus species.

  • It is classified as superficial or deep depending on how many skin layers it affects
  • Allergic skin diseases like flea allergy dermatitis and atopy are among the most common causes of pyoderma
  • Some cases are the result of skin damage that provides an environment for bacterial growth, while others result from underlying conditions (hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism)
  • Symptoms include red, crusty bumps on the skin, often with pus, and hair loss
  • Dogs with pyoderma require prompt veterinary attention
  • Diagnosis is based on physical examination and skin cultures
  • Diagnosis of underlying conditions is needed and varies by associated symptoms
  • Treatment is topical medications
  • Deep or recurrent pyoderma requires antibiotics
  • Prognosis is good to excellent unless the underlying cause is severe
Are you concerned?

Connect with a vet to get more information about your pet’s health.

Book an online vet

A closer look: Pyoderma (Bacterial Skin Infections) in Dogs


Pyoderma (literally pus in the skin) varies depending primarily on the number of skin layers that are affected. Most cases of pyoderma are mild and treatable. Prompt veterinary care is required to stop the condition from worsening, and to address potential underlying causes.

Puppy pyoderma (also known as impetigo) occurs in prepubescent dogs.

Skin fold pyoderma occurs in breeds that have folds of skin where moisture and heat can get trapped. Some breeds of dog such as Sharpeis and Pugs have more folds than others and are therefore at greater risk.

Pyoderma also develops between the toes, typically when the dog gets damp during outings due to wet weather, walking in dewy grass, or swimming.

Deep pyoderma is most common in adolescent dogs, and is particularly persistent in some breeds including:

  • Doberman pinschers
  • German shorthaired pointers
  • Great danes
  • Bulldogs
  • Boxers
  • Mastiffs
  • Weimaraners

Connect with a vet to get more information

With DVM, ICH certifications and great reviews by pet parents like you for this symptom

Risk factors


Pyoderma is classified as superficial or deep, depending on how many layers of skin are involved. The deeper the infection, the more severe the case.

Severity also depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Dogs with allergies, endocrine disease, and other challenging conditions tend to develop pyoderma more regularly.

Some cases of pyoderma are persistent. They appear to resolve, but then reemerge. This may be due to premature discontinuation of antibiotics or underlying conditions like fungal skin infections.

Possible causes


The cause of pyoderma is a bacterial infection of the skin, most commonly Staphylococcus. These bacteria commonly live on the skin of dogs without causing symptoms. In certain circumstances they reproduce too quickly for the immune system to keep up and symptoms develop.

In some cases, the over-reproduction of the bacteria occurs because the layer of the skin that usually keeps the bacteria on the outside is damaged. This often happens due to skin trauma like a scrape or a bite wound, or when constant moisture has disrupted the integrity of the skin barrier.

Diseases of the endocrine system such as hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism, or poor immune function can also decrease the skin’s ability to fight off infection.

Main symptoms


Testing and diagnosis


Dogs with the symptoms of pyoderma require prompt veterinary attention. Diagnosis is based on physical examination and skin cultures.

Steps to Recovery


Treatment of mild, superficial pyoderma is topical antimicrobial medications in the form of creams and shampoos.

Treatment of more severe, deep pyoderma or recurrent pyoderma sometimes requires antibiotics. Careful compliance with veterinary advice is required for use of antibiotics due to concerns over drug resistance in bacteria. Continuation of antibiotic therapy is required for the advised length of time, even when symptoms have resolved.

Attention to grooming is required for recovery from pyoderma. Long haired breeds benefit from professional grooming to remove trapped bacteria.

Treatment of underlying conditions is also necessary when applicable. Treatments vary depending on the specific underlying cause. For example, one of the goals of allergy treatment is to prevent secondary pyoderma, even though the allergies themselves cannot be cured.

Treatments for pyoderma take between one and 4 months to fully control the infection. In some cases, symptoms resolve quickly.

Prognosis for mild, superficial pyoderma is good to excellent. Severe, deep pyoderma, and pyoderma caused by underlying conditions have a more guarded prognosis.

For example, dogs with pyoderma as a result of skin folds trapping moisture and warmth are likely to require ongoing treatment unless the skin folds are surgically removed.

Dogs with atopy, food allergy, or flea allergy dermatitis are unlikely to improve without additional treatment for their allergic skin disease.

Prevention


Strategies for the prevention of pyoderma include:

  • Keeping the dog in good health
  • Appropriate treatment of allergic skin diseases
  • Avoid fleas and other parasites
  • Avoiding skin trauma from bites and scratches
  • Cleaning wounds
  • Cleaning areas of skin where moisture gathers such as between the toes and inside skin folds
  • Treating underlying causes early and effectively
  • Routine bathing with medicated shampoos

Is Pyoderma (Bacterial Skin Infections) in Dogs common?


Pyoderma is very common in dogs.

References


Karen A. Moriello - Writing for Merck Veterinary Manual
Ryan Llera; Ernest Ward - Writing for VCA Animal Hospitals
David Grant - Writing for Improve Veterinary Practice
No Author - Writing for Veterinary Partner
Jennie Tait - Writing for Today's Veterinary Practice

Our editorial committee

Our medical review team is responsible for validating and maintaining the quality of our medical information.